Tag: Airtricity

SSE Airtricity League First Division

Match Report by James Donnelly

Longford Town continued their run of form with a comfortable 2-0 win over Wexford FC at Ferrycarring Park on Friday night. In front of a disappointing crowd of 70 or so, Neale Fenn’s men dispatched the challenge of the former Youths with a goal in each half from Jamie Hollywood and Chris Mulhall.

It was Wexford who had the opening chance of the game, Shane Barnes latching on to a cross from the right side and shooting inside the box but his effort was deflected by Town Captain Dean Zambra who had raced back to cover.

Longford looked to open their account on 11 minutes when forward Chris Mulhall held up the ball brilliantly even when it appeared he was fouled, to then turn on to his right foot and shoot but his attempt was wide of the mark.

De Town had the majority of possession throughout the entirety of the 90 minutes and it wasn’t long before they got the opener. A corner kick from Darren Meenan on 19 minutes was hit high across the box to the waiting Jamie Hollywood who took it down expertly on his right foot and blasted the ball into the top corner with his left foot from just inside the box.

Wexford never got going after that and Longford began to control the game. Dylan McGlade swung in a high ball that troubled Wexford Keeper Kealan Gaffney which forced him to punch clear even though there was no Town players around him at the time. This was followed up by another attack from McGlade, this time going by two men and feigning a shot before eventually turning on to his left but his powerful strike only stung the hands of Gaffney in goal.

Half time saw the introduction of Evan Galvin for Darren Meenan and his impact was immediate. Gaining possession on the left wing, Galvin beat one man before laying it off to Tristan Noack-Hofmann who’s shot was straight into the hands of Gaffney.

Jamie Hollywood scores the opener for Longford Town during their 2-0 victory over Wexford FC. Pic: Ken Keenan Photography

Longford got their second on 55 minutes when a corner was headed across goal by Town defender Michael McDonnell to Noack-Hofmann who in turned headed it towards goal and then it was just a simple header into the net for Chris Mulhall. Although Gaffney pushed it back out, the ref was in clear view and blew his whistle for the goal, much to the delight of Mulhall who made sure everyone knew the goal was his and not Sam Verdons who had tapped in the rebound.

Town had a chance to make it 3-0 on 78 minutes when a scoffed clearance from Wexford keeper Gaffney landed at Evan Galvins feet. The Cork man tried to lob the scrambling Gaffney but Owen McCormack had raced back to cover the line and consequently cleared the ball.

Dean Byrne went close in the closing moments when he cut inside on the right wing but his low shot was saved by the outstretched foot of Gaffney.

While the result was never in doubt, Longford never really stepped into 3rd gear and will be looking for an even bigger performance against Shelbourne at the City Calling Stadium next week.

Surprise winners on the opening day away to many peoples fancies as a dark horse this season, Cabinteely, Damien Locke’s Wexford FC could prove to be surprise packages in their own right after an underwhelming 2017 season.

With much upheaval both on and off the pitch at Ferrycarrig last season, little was expected of Wexford FC, who were taking part in their first ever League of Ireland season, replacing Wexford Youths, who ceased to exist following relegation from the top flight in 2016.

Losing the likes of Danny Furlong and Graham Doyle, two of the most experienced and highly rated players in their respective positions, new boss Damien Locke was always likely to opt for a young playing squad given the lack of financial power Wexford FC could muster compared to the divisions more established sides.

Only winning on four occasions in the league last season, the South-East club’s humiliating FAI Cup exit to non-league Crumlin United compounded Wexford’s misery. However, a positive run of form towards the tail-end of 2017 offered fresh hope, mainly thanks to the arrival of a number of clearly talented youngsters in Aaron Dobbs, Dean Kelly and Danny Bolger.

Having secured the services of striker, Dobbs on a full-season loan this time around, much more is expected of the player and his Wexford FC team-mates, despite the fact the 2018 First Division is being touted as the most competitive in League of Ireland history.

With a strong pre-season under their belts, which included an impressive 3-0 win over Bray Wanderers at the Carlise Grounds, the positives vibes felt towards the end of last year have carried on and been multiplied by the dozen thanks to that opening day win over Cabinteely.

Sean Hurley bagged his first ever League of Ireland goal to seal the 1-0 triumph in the Capital a fortnight ago and the former Bray Wanderers and Waterford United youngster will have to be marshaled closely with the midfielders confidence at an all-time high, thanks to not only that match winner but a strong college football campaign during the off-season.

Elsewhere, the threat posed by Shamrock Rovers loanee and Wexford native, Aaron Dobbs should not be underestimated by Neale Fenn’s side. The pacey striker offers powerful running in behind the defensive line, while the number nine is also very strong in the air despite his diminutive stature.

Longford Town will be looking to call on the experience of last seasons 5-0 win at this very ground over Wexford, but as ever expect the visitors to set up quite deep and look to frustrate their Midland opponents.

While Damien Locke’s men did lose three of the four head to head meetings with Longford last season, Wexford FC did manage to record a scoreless draw in the very first league meeting of 2017 and the South-East club will look to approach this latest meeting in similar fashion.

Another quick start, as seen in the opening game against Cobh Ramblers, would be very useful for tonight’s hosts, however, patience may prove key given the visitors potentially defensive set-up and Town manager, Neale Fenn is sure to stress that to his players before the walk out onto the hallowed City Calling Stadium turf.